Ferret.Com Food Comparison Chart
| Brand / Name of Food | Ingredients | Guaranteed Analysis | Guaranteed Analysis | Guaranteed Analysis |
| Brand / Name of Food | First | Second | Third | Fourth |
| 8 in 1 Canned Ferret Chicken Dinner | Water (For Processing) | Chicken | Chicken Liver | Poultry |
| 8 in 1 Ultra Blend Ferret Diet | Chicken Meal | Ground Yellow Corn | Brewers Rice | Corn Gluten Meal |
| 8 in 1 Ultimate Ferret Diet | Chicken | Chicken Meal | Ground Rice | Chicken Fat |
What type of food you should give to ferret?
Snacks that you can give your ferrets but in small amounts
- Cooked meat
- Cooked eggs
- Linoleic coat conditioners
- Freeze dried muscles or organ meats
How often should I Feed my Ferret?
This is a good goal to have for your ferret's diet:
- 30 to 40% protein
- 20 to 30% fat
- Less than 3% fiber
What is the best food for a ferret?
What do ferrets eat?
- Chicken wings and stripped carcasses
- Turkey necks
- Rabbit
- Game birds
- Pigeons
- Minced beef
- Lamb
- Offal
- Lambs heart
- Raw animal bones for calcium and for cleaning your ferrets teeth
How much should you feed a ferret?
- Ferrets have high metabolic rates -very short digestive tract -and therefore need feeding little and often. ...
- Ferrets cannot easily digest large amounts of fibre or complex carbohydrates so avoid bread and cereals.
- The average ferret will eat 5-7% of its body weight on a daily basis - this is about 50-75 grams of food for a ferret weighing 1 kg. ...
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What human foods can ferrets eat?
Ferrets do enjoy sweets, dairy products, raisins, fruits, and vegetables, but these foods should be avoided, as they may produce diarrhea and erratic swings in blood sugar. A piece of cooked meat or some meat baby food is fine as an occasional treat. "Chocolate can be fatal to ferrets."
What can a ferret not eat?
9 Things You Should Never Feed Your FerretFruits and Vegetables. Ferrets are carnivores, so your pet should run almost entirely on animal protein. ... Xylitol/Processed Foods. ... Dairy Products. ... Dog Food. ... Chocolate. ... Junk Food. ... Grains. ... Fish.More items...
Can ferrets eat scrambled eggs?
Because they're so nutritious for us, you also may be wondering if they're safe and healthy for your ferret. The answer is yes, eggs are safe for most ferrets in moderation.
Can ferrets eat bananas?
Fruits and Vegetables Never feed your ferret any kind of fruit, even as a treat. While some ferret fanciers may say it's OK, the American Ferret Association advises against feeding bananas, raisins, apples, carrots and all other fruits and vegetables.
What is the recommended diet for ferrets?
Basic Requirements for a Ferret Diet: High in protein - 30-40 percent on the label nutrition analysis. Protein must be high quality, highly digestible, and be animal-based (not plant-based) High in fat (at least 20 percent, perhaps up to 30 percent on the label analysis) Very low in carbohydrates and fiber (less than 3 percent fiber)
What are some treats for ferrets?
There are vitamin supplements for ferrets and hairball remedies which ferrets generally love, and they provide some benefits. These make good training aids and treats, but should be used sparingly. Other treats include eggs (hard-boiled, scrambled), bits of cooked meats, or freeze-dried liver treats. Commercial ferret treats should only be used if they are meat-based - avoid those with grains, vegetables or sugars at all costs. Ferrets have a sweet tooth but do not give in -- avoid sweet treats (including raisins and other fruits).
What to do if my ferret is gaining weight?
If you are having a problem with your ferret gaining too much weight, check with a vet to rule out a medical problem and for advice on meeting their diet needs while maintaining a good weight.
What are some good sources of protein?
Meat and poultry by-products are the bits that don't make it into human foods, and may be low in digestibility and therefore not really a useful protein source. Eggs are also a high-quality protein source.
Can ferrets eat new food?
It is often a good idea to use a mixture of foods starting when ferrets are young, as some can be stubborn about trying new foods, which may create problems if their current food becomes unavailable. Try to make sure you have two quality foods your ferret will eat.
Do ferrets eat plant matter?
Ferrets are obligate carnivores and food passes through the digestive system of a ferret very quickly. They also lack the ability to derive nutrition from plant matter.
Do ferrets like fish?
Also watch for added sugars (sucrose, fructose, corn syrup, etc). Just a note: ferrets may not like the taste of foods high in fish ( and they may make the litter box pretty smelly, too), though some cold-water fish such as salmon is an excellent source of fat.
What to feed a ferret?
When feeding your ferret a raw meat-based diet, make sure that you feed a wide variety of meats, organs, and bones. The ferret shelter Unwanted Fuzz in Victoria, Australia, feeds their entire shelter a raw diet. This is the recipe they use, which has a good mix of ingredients: For a 22 pounds (10 kilograms) mix:
What is the best diet for ferrets?
Higher protein and fat. Raw meat-based diets contain high levels of both meat-based protein and fat, both essential elements of a healthy ferret diet. Lower carbohydrates and fiber. Raw meat-based diets contain no or very little carbohydrates and fiber, both of which ferrets have difficulty digesting.
What do ferrets eat?
What does my ferret need to eat? Ferrets are obligate carnivores, so their diet needs to be primarily meat-based. They do not have the enzymes in their stomachs needed to digest plant matter. In addition, ferrets need a lot of protein and fat, and very little fiber and carbohydrates, to stay healthy.
How to help ferrets with kibble?
Be particularly careful in handling raw meat, to avoid contracting pathogens or passing them on to other humans. Supplement the diet with raw eggs and fish oil. For kibble diets, we recommend mixing the following foods:
Why do ferrets eat kibble?
Better dental health. Kibble diets can lead to a buildup of plaque and a loss of tooth tissue.
Why do ferrets need a 1:1 balance of calcium and phosphorus?
Because they cannot digest plant matter well, the protein and fat must come from meat-based sources. Ferrets also need a 1:1 balance of calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is found in bones and phosphorus in tissue meats. Most commercial kibbles have an appropriate calcium to phosphorus ratio.
How much protein does a ferret need?
A food may say it has 50% protein, but if most of it comes from vegetables, your ferret will not be able to digest the protein. This is why you must check both the ingredient list and the guaranteed analysis. In the guaranteed analysis, look for: Crude protein level of at least 35%. Crude fat level between 20% and 40%.
What to feed a ferret?
If you’re feeling uneasy about what to feed your ferret, your veterinarian will be able to help you. Just remember that they need plenty of meaty-proteins and fats. Steer clear or fruits, vegetables, and carbs!
What do ferrets eat?
This means they get all of the nutrients they need from animal products, including meat, bones, marrow, eggs, and more. So, if you’re wondering how to feed ferrets raw, you can either prepare them a meat-based homemade diet, or choose fresh or frozen “whole prey” that closely resemble what a ferret may eat in the wild.
How much protein is in ferret kibble?
Different brands of ferret kibble will differ in their nutritional content. So, as we said earlier, choose one that has at least 30% protein from a meat source, and close to 20% fat. Cheap ferret food isn’t a good option.
Why do ferrets have low blood sugar?
Plus, as a ferret ages, it may be more likely to develop pancreatic tumors that can cause excessive insulin production. Both this quick motility and excessive insulin can cause low blood sugar when ferrets are not constantly digesting food. So, ferrets need plenty of food to “graze” on throughout the day.
What is the name of the ferret that eats plants?
The domestic ferret’s distant weasel cousin is called the black-footed ferret. When left to their own devices, black-footed ferrets generally don’t reach for plants, nuts, or vegetables. Both black-footed ferrets and domestic ferrets are carnivorous animals that use fat for energy.
Can ferrets eat kibble?
Plus, if you are going to feed your ferret a kibble-based diet, then you might consider putting him on a hair ball/obstruction preventative regime. Due to the lack of moisture in a dry diet, ferrets who eat primarily dry food are more likely to develop hairballs or other intestinal obstructions.
Do ferrets eat meat?
As obligate carnivores, ferrets must have a meat-based diet. Ferrets need all of the following nutrients in their diet: If you’ve chosen to use a commercial ferret food, ensure it contains at least 30% protein and close to 20% fat. Anything less won’t meet your ferret’s nutritional requirements.
What is the best food for a ferret?
Many ferret owner choose to provide this nutrition via pelleted ferret food, which should contain a meat source such as chicken or lamb as the main ingredient (not fish). If you have a choice, smooth, small chunks are easier for your ferret to eat than more angular pellets and ideally a pelleted food will contain 32-38% animal protein – don’t be ...
How much should a ferret eat?
On average, a ferret will eat 5-7% of their bodyweight in food every day. This is just a guide, however, as during growth, pregnancy, lactation or periods of high exercise they will need to eat more. Conversely, older ferrets may well need less than this, so monitoring your ferret’s weight and changing the diet accordingly is important ...
How many times a day should ferrets eat?
There are disadvantages however. Ferrets need to eat 6-8 times per day due to their high metabolic rate, and leaving meat in their cage might be messy. Pellets also help keep your ferret’s teeth clean, an advantage not seen with home-made diets.
What foods are toxic to ferrets?
Fruit - These are very high in sugar. Grapes/raisins are also toxic to ferrets. Dairy - As well as being high in sugar, ferrets lack the enzyme required to digest dairy products. Sugary treats - If you want to give treats use ferret or cat treats, or use fresh meat or cooked egg.
Can you cook ferret meat?
There is no reason you cannot cook your ferret fresh meat meals at home, rather than purchase commercial ferret pellets, so long as they are getting enough protein and fats. To avoid the risk of disease, cooking meat thoroughly before offering it to your ferret is recommended. There are disadvantages however.
Do ferrets have insulinomas?
Ferrets are well designed to digest fats and protein, but struggle with carbohydrates. A lot of sugar has also been potentially implicated in the development of insulinomas in ferrets. This means sugar is off the menu.
Ferret Diet (Definitive Guide For Beginners)
If you are a beginner with a ferret or willing to adopt a ferret, then it is so important to know the best ferret diet plan and schedule.
Ferret Diet (Explained For Beginners)
Giving a nutritionally balanced diet to your ferret is essential for live healthy and stay active.
Commercial Canned Diet (Wet Food)
Another exceptional option for a ferret diet is a commercial canned diet, also known as wet food.
Ferret Raw Diet
Another best ferret’s diet option available is a raw diet. Which is based on animal meat along with bones.
The Whole Prey Diet: Feeding A ferret small animals or insects
This diet is what ferret evolved eating. In the wild, polecat’s diet is varied and contains many things such as small animals (rabbits, mice, and so on), insects, eggs, fish, and some trace amount of seasonal fruit.
Precautions while feeding your ferret
Your health priority is more than any, so you need to be aware while feeding your ferret.
Avoid undigested feed
Ferrets have a short intestinal tract and lack of cecum (organ). So they are not able to digest all food as humans do.
How to get ferret to eat new food?
Start by mixing in the new food with the old food at a ratio of 1 part new to 9 parts old. Gradually increase the ratio of new to old until the old food is phased out. If done correctly, this should take a few weeks at the least. If your ferret refuses to eat the new food, here are some things you can try:
How much food do ferrets eat?
Ferrets have a very high metabolism and a short digestive tract so they will require frequent, small meals. Most ferrets will eat 8-10 small meals of commercial pellet food on a given day. Due to the frequency of their feedings, it is best to keep a supply of food available at all times.
What is Kaytee Premium Ferret Food?
Kaytee Premium Ferret food checks all of the right boxes with 42% crude protein and 20% crude fat. This formula is available in two flavors – turkey or chicken to provide tasty variety to your furry little ferrets. Both are highly digestible poultry proteins.
Why are ferrets at risk?
Part of this is because of their genealogy, but some of it can also be caused by their diet. That’s why as a pet owner, it’s important for you to be informed of the different risk factors that can come about from feeding a ferret the wrong food.
What is wild harvest ferret food?
Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Ferret Food. Wild Harvest is a budget-friendly ferret food that still offers a balanced, high-protein diet supplemented with taurine. Consumer reviews indicate that many ferret owners find it to be well-received with their furry friends, suggesting a good taste. Pros.
How many meals should a ferret eat a day?
Kibble is much easier to free-feed in order to accommodate a ferret’s need for 8-10 meals per day. All of the products on this list are suitable in moderation. Many ferret owners who feed commercial kibble will rotate or combine multiple products which may lessen the impact of one formula.
How often should I feed my ferret?
For example, some ferret owners feed their ferret eight times a day, and some only five times a day. I find that the following plan works best for my ferret. Meal 1.
